Vince Zampella, 55, co-creator of 'Call of Duty', dies in California car crash
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Vince Zampella, 55, a celebrated video game developer behind some of the world’s best-selling games, died on Sunday, December 21, in a Ferrari crash on Southern California’s Angeles Crest Highway.
As the head of Respawn Entertainment and former CEO of Infinity Ward, the studio that created the hit 'Call of Duty' franchise, Zampella played a leading role in shaping the modern gaming industry.
What happened to Vince Zampella?
Prolific video game designer Vince Zampella and a passenger died on Sunday in a crash on Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles. After exiting a tunnel on the winding two-lane road, their Ferrari slammed into a concrete barrier and caught fire.
The California Highway Patrol reported the single-car crash around 12.45 pm. The southbound Ferrari veered off the road just after leaving the tunnel, struck a concrete barrier, and ejected the passenger. Zampella became trapped in the car fire and died at the scene, while the passenger later died at a hospital. Authorities have not released the passenger’s identity.
Officials have not yet determined what caused the crash on the forested road overlooking Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. A witness gave authorities video showing the 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS slamming into the barrier.
The red, mid-engine sports car produces more than 819 horsepower from a hybrid twin-turbo V6 engine and carries a six-figure price tag.
EA’s Playa Vista studio pays tribute to Vince Zampella
“He really knew how to create stories and create experiences that really hit at the heart of the human experience, whether it's terror, dread, heroism,” said Washington Post video game critic Gene Park, who knew Vince Zampella.
Park added, “I think he was really able to kind of encapsulate that through the designs of the video games he made. He was a very, very humble person. He was very well aware of the impact that he made on people, and he never took it for granted."
Zampella also led EA’s Playa Vista studio team behind the popular 'Battlefield' franchise.
In a statement, EA praised Zampella’s contributions, calling them “profound and far-reaching.” The company added, “This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work. Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching."
It also shared, "A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come.”
An Official X page of 'Call of Duty' remembered Zampella writing, "Millions of us have been forever inspired by Vince Zampella’s work. His legacy is enduring. Across all our Call of Duty teams and all across Activision, we offer our deepest condolences to Vince’s family, friends and fans on his tragic passing."
Millions of us have been forever inspired by Vince Zampella’s work. His legacy is enduring. Across all our Call of Duty teams and all across Activision, we offer our deepest condolences to Vince’s family, friends and fans on his tragic passing.
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) December 23, 2025
Zampella, 55, co-founded Chatsworth-based Respawn Entertainment in 2010. EA acquired the studio in 2017. Respawn is best known for 'Titanfall', 'Titanfall 2', 'Apex Legends', and 'STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order'.
